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Rhodesian Ridgeback breed guide
The American Kennel Club calls the Rhodesian Ridgeback an all-purpose Renaissance hound whose hallmark is the ridge, a stripe of backward-growing hair on the back.
Made famous in Africa for tracking lions and holding them at bay but never killing them, today it is a cherished family dog whose owners must be ready for its independence and strong prey drive.
Temperament
The formidable Rhodesian Ridgeback may be strong-willed, independent and sometimes domineering. It must be guided with a firm but fair hand. It is a devoted companion that needs to live indoors with its family.
Because of a very strong prey drive, it should always be in a safely enclosed area when off leash.
Lifespan
Rhodesian Ridgebacks live 10 to 12 years. Breeders screen for hip and elbow dysplasia, thyroid function and eye anomalies.
Dermoid sinus, a tube-like opening in the skin that is occasionally present at birth, may be felt for by an experienced breeder.
Care
The Ridgeback sheds somewhat, but grooming needs are minimal: a regular weekly brushing removes loose hair and keeps the coat glossy and an occasional bath helps.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are strong, athletic dogs that need a moderate amount of exercise and adapt to various living situations with daily outings such as long walks and play sessions. They love to run and need physical activity.
History
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a unique creation of southern Africa, the result of crosses between the native ridged Khoikhoi dog and European breeds brought by Dutch colonists, including Greyhounds and various terriers.
The infusion of Khoi blood gave resilience against local pests such as the tsetse fly and an inborn knowledge of how to get around Africa and outwit its predators and in the late 19th century big-game hunter Cornelius van Rooyen added two ridged Greyhound-like females to his pack of lion dogs.
AKC trait ratings
| Trait | AKC rating | Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Level | 3 of 5 | Couch Potato to High Energy |
| Trainability Level | 4 of 5 | Self-Willed to Eager to Please |
| Shedding Level | 3 of 5 | No Shedding to Hair Everywhere |
| Barking Level | 2 of 5 | Only To Alert to Very Vocal |
| Adaptability Level | 4 of 5 | Lives For Routine to Highly Adaptable |
| Good With Young Children | 5 of 5 | Not Recommended to Good With Children |
| Good With Other Dogs | 3 of 5 | Not Recommended to Good With Other Dogs |
| Watchdog/Protective Nature | 5 of 5 | What's Mine Is Yours to Vigilant |